Hello from Colorado Springs!! I have been here for about 3 weeks training now and I am working harder than ever toward the goal of bringing that gold medal home. It looks like my season will start in early February with a few indoor races to shake things up. The tentative schedule at this point is a race in Washington state in early Feb and then the Millrose Games in New York City in the middle of the month. I will finish it off with Indoor Championships in Albuquerque, NM from 1-3 March. So if you live in Washington, New York, or Albuquerque, it would be amazing to see you in the stands!

Running Tip 1: To build up endurance increase mileage in small increments over several weeks! Don't increase mileage too quickly or you put yourself at risk of injury. Run Hard and have fun!!

Training so far this year has been incredible. I am really enjoying the time with my 12 teammates in training camp in Colorado Springs. It is a wonderful chance for me to reconnect with a place very close to my heart. I trained in Colorado from 2008 to 2010 reaching my first Olympics from here (as well as meeting my wonderful girlfriend Brittany). It is amazing to be back 2 years later with another Olympics under my belt and many more experiences to draw from. For athletes the Olympic training center is a place like no other. We have world class training and recovery facilities and the most amazing staff of doctors, therapists, and support. It is a dream to be here and be training at the highest level... I keep Rio in my mind all of the time - Here I come!!

Using NormaTec MVP - compression and ice - for recovery after this mornings run! Painful but good for the muscles :)

Sculpture at the OTC Athlete Center

Besides training here in Colorado Springs I have had the joy to put effort into my Foundation and especially the 4 South Sudan Campaign. Many of you have read my book already and know how important the work I do is to me. There have been many exciting developments early in 2013 and this promises to be a huge year for the Foundation! On the horizon are a few big races where you can run on my team and together we can bring resources to the world's most vulnerable people! For those of you living in the Portland area, get your running shoes ready - some exciting news is about to break and I want you to be part of MY TEAM!!

Finally I want to thank everyone for all of the amazing comments that you have left for me on Facebook. I had asked everyone to tell me how Running for My Life touched them and I received so many inspiring responses. I loved all of the comments, but some of my favorites are: "My favorite [chapter] is when you arrive in America. I went through a lot of kleenex with that chapter -- a reminder of how much we take for granted. Thanks for the eye opener and reminder of blessings that overflow" and "I can't pick a chapter, it taught that in running [and beyond] give every ounce of effort cause somewhere out there is someone who would love to be in my shoes." Thank you for all of the kind words! I am inspired by the comments from Andrew McKenzie - "I can't wait to read the next chapter" - and Mark Dobbs - "My favorite chapter is the last, unwritten one where you continue to do good works and inspire the rest of us". Thank you so much for all of your kindness and support and for driving me to work harder everyday and strive to do more good for the children in South Sudan!! The future is bright! If you want to read my book, find more information about Running for My Life, and please feel free to leave a comment or email me! I personally try to get back to everyone's message!

Lopez,
I had the pleasure of brining my two young sons to meet you at a book signing in Tacoma Washington. I just finished your book and was amazed by your inspirational story. Please keep up the hard work in bringing your message to others. I am excited to be running my 23rd marathon and 1st ever Boston Marathon in 11 weeks. Your book motivates me to keep working hard.

Brett -
Thank you so much for your comment. I am so glad that my story inspired you and I hope that in the future your son's will love it too. Congrats on your amazing achievement in running!! I still have yet to run a marathon but someday in the future I hope to join you in that amazing achievement. Hopefully someday we can run together at one of the Team World Vision or 4 South Sudan races!
Cheering for you!!

Lopez -- My husband and I are huge fans of yours and have enjoyed watching you win Olympic spots in 2008 and 2012 from the stands in Eugene. I hope someday we'll get to the Millrose Games and wish you all the best as you compete in the months ahead.

I knew a little of your story before reading your book, but what an amazing journey you shared with us. I love that your baptism brought you a new name of Joseph, because your story makes me realize even more the truth of what Joseph told his brothers at the end of Genesis: "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones" (50:20-21). Your work with 4 South Sudan is proof that God will use men's evil actions for good, and I look forward to continuing to follow your story!

Hope -
Thank you so much for your kind words. They mean so much to me! I will actually be competing in the Millrose Games this year!! I will be running the mile and I would love it if you and your family would cheer me on! I am very excited about running at Millrose for the first time.

Thank you so much for sharing my story with your family and friends. I hope that I can use my story to inspire many more people to be involved in amazing works of God!

God Bless,
Lopez

Reply

Andrew McKenzie

2/7/2013 07:40:15 am

Hi Lopez - wow, you mentioned me in your blog - what an encouragement. Thank you! After reading your book I taked about it so much that my wife and chlildren have now read it as well. The blessings go on!
Andrew McKenzie

I teach at a middle school and our school theme this year is the Olympics. We have just began a school-wide read and we are reading your book. It is truly one of the BEST books I have ever had reading and EVERY one of the students and teachers at my school are enjoying it. It is so awesome when I go to stop reading and my students are literally begging me to keep reading! You are such an inspiration and you are truly making a difference in the lives of the 700-800 students and faculty at my school.

Reply

Tamara

2/20/2013 08:03:45 pm

Hi Lopez! I just finished reading your book. I couldn't put it down! Thank you for writing your story and for being so dedicated to your cause. You are an inspiration. I admire your passion for your country and the drive you have to do something to change it. I am grateful to God for the wonderful works He did in you to bring you to where you are today. You are His ambassador, bringing Christ's love to those who need it. Don't give up and I hope to continue to follow your journey and do what I can to impact the world.